1xxxHOLiC RouChapter 195[Side text: A simple, innocent phrase. Yet that phrase is more than enough to invite an unexpected guest. Watanuki's words bring into the shop a woman he knows all too well.]Watanuki: ...The Jorougumo... // Well, well... / I see. // So that's what the "you may enter" was about.Rabbit: I hope you'll forgive me... I just can't say no to a lovely lady.

2Jorougumo: And if you will insist on keeping a nasty little barrier all around this shop... / ...well.Watanuki: That's just to make sure nobody comes into the shop... / ...and steals or destroys things from within without paying the proper price. // Like a certain someone I could mention.Jorougumo: Dear me. / How naughty of them.

3Watanuki: And those are the words of the woman who ate my right eye?Jorougumo: Delicious it was, too.Watanuki: If you're looking to take the left as well, I'll have to ask you to leave.Jorougumo: I won't pretend I'm not tempted... // But today I have other business. // As a customer.

4[SFX: plump]Jorougumo: My... / how plain. // Are you trying to tell me I am not welcome?Watanuki: Not at all.[SFX: slide]Watanuki: As a matter of fact, I prepared this room especially for you. // Those cushions contain stitchings of kudakitsune fur. // And also...

5Watanuki: All the lamps around you... / ...are lit with foxfire. // I seem to remember you didn't get along too well with the kudakitsune.Jorougumo: In a tiny space like this, you'll be engulfed in the flames along with me.Watanuki: Oh, I don't think the kudakitsune's flames will harm me.Jorougumo: You're certainly not as cute as you used to be.[SFX: tip]

6Jorougumo: Delicious.Watanuki: It's a botrytised wine. / A favourite of yours, I believe?Jorougumo: I'm surprised you know.[SFX: tip]Watanuki: Well, I have my own sources of information. // I am, after all, the owner of this shop.[SFX: place]Jorougumo: Which is why I would like to make a request of you.

7Watanuki: Let's hear it.Jorougumo: There's something I'd like you to find for me.Watanuki: Something I have here in the shop?Jorougumo: No... you won't find it here.Watanuki: Well, as I'm sure you know... / ...I am unable to leave this shop's grounds.Jorougumo: True enough. / But that won't be enough to stop you, now, will it? // Not these days.

8Watanuki: It would appear that you, too, have your own sources of information.Jorougumo: So will you do it?Watanuki: If you are prepared to pay the price.Jorougumo: Well, then...

9Jorougumo: Consider that a deposit.

10Watanuki: I think you'll find... / ...that wine belonged to me in the first place.Jorougumo: You really aren't very cute these days.Doumeki: The Jorougumo?Watanuki: That's right.Doumeki: And that's why you've got that guy out?[SFX: rub-rub]

11Watanuki: Precisely. / He's in the most terrible of moods.Mokona: Well, Mugetsu does hate that nasty old Jorougumo! // Ever since she bullied his belowed Watanuki.[SFX: nod nod]Watanuki: But everything went all right this time. / Thanks to Mugetsu, of course.

12Watanuki: Hey... / That tickles...![SFX: kiss kiss kiss]Doumeki: So... / What did she want?Watanuki: She wants me to find something for her.Doumeki: And you accepted?Watanuki: That is my job. // Now, then...[SFX: slip]

13Watanuki: Put your dishes in the dishwasher when you're done.Mokona: What about the drink and snacks~?Watanuki: I've prepared some snacks in the kitchen. // And you can get some shochu from the storeroom.Mokona: Potato shochu? / Barley shochu?[SFX: bounce]Watanuki: I would suggest potato. / [aside]to go with the satsuma-age.[/aside]Mokona: Yahoo~~~~~~!

15Watanuki: Maru~! / Moro~! // I could use some help!Maru/Moro: Coming~![SFX: patter patter patter]Maru/Moro: What do you want us to do~?Watanuki: Could you prepare a basin for me?Maru/Moro: 'Ka~~y!Watanuki: Better to get this job done sooner than later. // And the phase of the moon tonight is just right.

16Doumeki: What is it you're looking for?Watanuki: A Crimson... / ...Pearl.[Side text: No matter who the customer, he will take on their request. Devoted to his work, Watanuki continues to mature.][Bottom text: To be continued next issue - see you in Young Magazine Issue 7, on sale Monday 18th January!]